Bodega Bay Area Ride Recommendations

[Michael Moore, Jr.]

Hello Folks,

I’ll be in Bodega Bay, California from April 17–20 and am thinking about bringing a bike. I’d appreciate any route recommendations. It is my first time visiting.

I can bring the Bleriot for a more road-orientated ride or the Kona for something more gravel-oriented. Ideally, I’m looking for a 30–60 mile loop—bonus points if there’s a great coffee stop along the way.

Thanks in advance!

Below is a photo from yesterday's ride before the storm came in (we really need the rain!).

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Michael Moore, Jr.
Arcata, CA

[Ben Miller]

Michael,

From Bodega Bay, you could do a nice counterclockwise loop of about 60 kms. Bodega-Occidental-El Rio-Jenner-Bodega. I recommend the CCW as there is a steep descent in the middle, and if you do it CW it becomes a steep climb. Still doable though. And if you do want steep, Coleman Valley Rd is an interesting diversion. CVR is super steep climb up from the coast, but also a very little traffic with amazing views on clear days. 

The are multiple coffee stops along the way in the main towns. My favorite is Cafe Aquatica near Jenner. It would be close to the end of the CCW I described, so you might want coffee sooner. Wild Flower Bakery is towards the start, in Freestone. It's very popular for their bread, but can't speak to the coffee. 

The loop could be extended by going more North from El Rio and adding in Cazadero, but that's gonna start to be a very big ride indeed. But also a very beautiful one with big climbs and descents. 

Also highly recommend the Rocker Oysterfella's restaurant in Valley Ford for any meal (brunch/lunch/dinner). Looks like they have a second location in Bodega Bay now, but I've only been to the VF location. 

Ben 

[Patch T]

Ben has provided excellent recommendations...

If you were itching for some unpaved road to add to that general route he suggests, consider Willow Creek Fire Road, connecting Occidental to Bridgehaven (just south of Jenner), cutting out Monte Rio. Something like 10-12 miles, most of it is closed to cars, and half or so is unpaved, but not technical. 

There's good restaurants/cafes, grocery and a tea shop in Occidental.

Patch

[Michael Moore, Jr.]

Thank you Ben and Patch for the recommendations. I look forward to riding when I get down there!

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[Ben Miller]

Michael, it some of the best riding anywhere, sure you'll enjoy it!

Patch, thanks for letting me know about Willow Creek FR, I'll have to check that out sometime!

[Michael Moore, Jr.]

Hello Everyone,

As a follow up, riding around the Bodega Bay and the surrounding area is indeed pretty epic. I went for my ride on a Sunday, and left just before dawn to avoid much of the vehicle traffic. I headed east towards the town of Bodega in the morning fog. Luckily, all of the traffic was coming West, so I had a pretty peaceful ride. I stopped at Colleen's Coffee Shop in Bodega for coffee and a snack, as the pancake breakfast at the Fire Station was not open yet (bad planning on my part). I turned North onto the Bohemian Highway near Freestone and again was treated to a peaceful ride with many cows and wild turkeys. The landscape turned from meadows and active agland into a forested section through the cute town of Occidental and other little outposts. I turned back West and followed the Russian River for a white at Villa Grand (onto route 116). The road lost whatever shoulder it had, but I only encountered three vehicles until the road excited the forest and widened again.The closer I got to the coast the more traffic I encountered. The last climb on the 116 saw me losing my warm layer for the day as it turned into Highway 1 (and the coastal wind hit hard). This part of the ride was just as beautiful, but so busy with vehicles. All in all it was 42.24 miles and took me about four hours with stops. A total elevation gain of just over 2,400 feet. I look forward to exploring more of the Sonoma County roads by bike (and cheese!) in the future!

Some photos from the ride:

A house covered in fog along the Bohemian Highway:

I stopped to check out a small waterfall near Mount Rio and snapped a photo of The Bleriot leaning against a Redwood:

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Michael Moore, Jr.
Arcata, CA

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